Family Moves: The Step by Step Timeline You Need to See

Moving is far from easy, even for a bachelor hopping from one studio apartment to another. Combine that with the challenge of moving an entire family’s household, however, and it can quickly go from a tedious process to an outright challenge.

One of the keys of a successful large scale move will be to make sure that you complete major moving milestones by a certain time or date. Believe it or not, a great deal of the challenges that movers run into come from having things come up at the very last minute. Getting a jump start on potential problems by preparing early can be a highly effective way to get rid of the moving blues and allow you to enjoy yourself along the way.

Below, we’ve put together a simple timeline for ensuring that your move is meeting important milestones in time. Read ahead for some key things to keep in mind. Before you know it, your move will be coming together before your eyes.

Your First Week:

Pick your Moving Company or Rental: One of the first things you’ll want to do when getting started will be to decide on the moving service that you’ll be using. Don’t be afraid to shop around! Doing your research can help you save valuable money.

Encourage younger kids to start packing: It goes without saying that every little bit helps—having kids contribute in the early weeks by packing some of their own non-essentials can help to avoid last minute disasters.

Put together a moving file/folder: Tracking the information on your move is something you’ll want to get a handle on before things have started moving (no pun intended.) It’s also not a bad idea to keep a simple inventory of which items you’ve already packed.

Your Second Week:

Assess the amount of money you’ll be spending: Like it or not, moves require a solid budget to be effective. You’ll want to know how much money you’re willing to spend before you begin reserving some much-needed services.

Confirm where each family member will be staying: Waiting until your move is complete to decide on rooms in your new place is a fast way to slow things down. Having a plan in place means that unpacking and installing furniture will go by quicker and smoother.

Get to know the new neighborhood: People tend to underestimate this bit of research. Whether it’s recreational activities, local grocery stores or places to walk your dog at night, you’ll want to get a leg up by knowing what to expect in advance.

Your Third Week:

Begin changing your address: Whether it’s for your bills or your subscriptions, there will likely be a variety of things that will need your updated address.

Stock up on moving supplies: Be it duct tape, extra boxes, or the like, now is the time to start getting your moving stockpile prepped.

De-clutter: Moving is the perfect time for getting rid of unused items/furniture—especially if your new place is a size downgrade.

Begin packing less frequented rooms: Storage areas, guest rooms, etc. can make for a real challenge to move if put off until the last minute. Having these areas squared away will make for a much easier move from then on.

Your Fourth Week:

Begin packing bedrooms: Make this one a family team effort can ease the burden a little—everything other than large furniture should begin to be packed away at this point.

Start packing the living areas: Living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms should begin being packed—save the big furniture for last.

Double check: Take a step back and review/double check everything you’ve done up to now. Catching problems before they might become a problem is always a good idea.

Confirm a moving date: By now, you should be finalizing the details of service with your mover. Booking reservations sooner rather than later can often mean better prices (and peace of mind.)

Your Fifth Week:

Confirm utilities: The utilities at your former home won’t shut themselves off, and similarly, the amenities at your new place won’t activate themselves either. Trust us when we say it helps to have access to running water on your move-in day.

Prep your pets: Your vet may need to be notified of the move—you’ll also want to gather any necessary supplies or information for transporting your pet and their things.

Factor in food: At this point, you’re a few weeks out from moving. It’s generally a good idea to stop buying perishable foods and other items that will just have to be thrown out along the way.

Your Sixth Week:

Last call on packing: You’ve already begun packing every room at this point—now is the time to start finishing. Moving day itself is NOT a day that you want to cram packing into, so make sure that you’re nearing completion on your packing efforts.

Prepare yourself: Are there any items that you’ll want to keep on hand during your road trip? What about important paperwork, or even refreshments? Figure out what you’ll be keeping on your person during the transition and start putting together your personal affects.

Label important items: Anything exceptionally fragile? What about items that belong to the kitchen, etc.? Simply labeling your personal boxes with a color coded system or similar can save you a great deal of effort when unloading.

Wrapping Things Up:

Shut it down: Appliances such as refrigerators should be cleaned out and turned off at this point. Keep in mind that anything containing ice will quickly contain water if not properly disassembled and cleaned out.

Triple check: Although your moving date may already be confirmed, it doesn’t hurt to ensure that everything is set in motion without any remaining complications.

Meet up with your movers: Your moving date will likely be looming at this point. Once all your tasks are in order, it’s time to meet up with them and begin coordinating your move!